Lilly Endowment Inc. to fund unique high school program at Catholic Theological Union

Chicago (December 5, 2001) – Catholic Theological Union (CTU) has received a $30,000 planning grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. to develop a new program aimed at encouraging Chicago-area high school students to engage in theological inquiry and consider vocations in Christian ministry. The initial planning grant is expected to lead to a full implementation grant.

Angela Appleby Purcell, director of liturgy at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in Chicago, has joined Catholic Theological Union as program coordinator. She has a master of divinity from the University of Notre Dame and an extensive background working with teens and young adults.

Sheila McLaughlin, director of the Bernardin Center at CTU, said, "A primary goal of the Bernardin Center is the development of future leaders for the church, and this program provides a new and exciting opportunity and direction for achieving that goal. I am delighted to have Angie Appleby Purcell on board to guide us as we move forward in the implementation of this worthy project."

CTU President Donald Senior, C.P., said, "When I first learned of the Lilly Endowment's invitation to take part in this program, I thought it was a worthy project, but remote for a graduate school of theology. But the more I thought about it and the potential of directing young men and women to a life of service, I realized that this is an opportunity we had to seize. Particularly in the wake of September 11th, this is a time in our country when many young people are searching for a way to live a worthwhile life. This program can open new possibilities for them by showing them the power and beauty of their religious heritage."

The innovative design of the program partners CTU with area Catholic high schools, parishes, youth organizations, and religious communities. With the support of the Endowment, this collaborative project will help young people deepen their love for the church and inspire them with a vision of the global church rooted in biblical and theological heritage. By immersing the high school students in a variety of ministry opportunities throughout Chicago, the program will help develop the next generation of lay ministers.

The students will be involved in theological learning, reflection, and ministry work experiences and receive ongoing supervision and encouragement from coordinators at their respective schools. A crucial aspect of the program will be the development of mentoring relationships between the high school students and those engaged in ministry. Through these relationships students will experience firsthand the vibrant church ministries and other communities of faith in Chicago. The corps of mentors will be drawn from the graduates and students of CTU.

CTU's renowned faculty will help provide theological foundations in areas such as cross-cultural dynamics, social justice, the Bible, and world religions. Their teaching will support and enhance the students' practical experiences and provide the basis for theological reflection.

Craig Dykstra, vice president for religion for the Endowment said, "We think ministry should certainly be presented to young people as a fascinating and rewarding profession that offers the intellectual challenges and sense of gratification that the brightest young people want from their lives. We are finding that this age group is more than willing to explore what they believe as they explore what they want to do with their lives."